BC Invests in Modernization of Nine Forestry Businesses

On Friday, the British Columbia government announced that nine more forestry companies will receive support to modernize, innovate, and diversify their product lines and fiber sources. The effort aims to expand production of high-value, made-in-BC products while protecting and creating jobs.

Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the province will provide as much as CA$2.5 million to help nine wood product manufacturing businesses plan or complete capital projects. These projects include building new or upgrading facilities, purchasing equipment to maximize production and fiber utilization, reducing waste, or conducting planning activities for future capital investments.

The government highlighted Canadian Bavarian Millwork and Lumber Ltd. in Chemainus, which will receive up to $1.4 million for a new facility and advanced equipment. The investment will boost production capacity, expand fiber use to produce solid and engineered wood products, and create 5–10 new jobs. It will also provide staff training on AI-enabled machinery features and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.

The BCMJF has so far driven more than $588 million into forestry-product manufacturing, directly creating and protecting nearly 3,600 jobs. In total, the province has partnered with 74 forest product manufacturers, dedicating more than $90.5 million to build a more stable, sustainable forestry sector.